Fishers Parks is inviting the community to come together in support of the Indiana Pacers with a series of free outdoor watch parties at the Nickel Plate District Amphitheater (NPD AMP) for Games 2, 3, and 4 of the NBA Finals.

Fans are encouraged to wear their blue and gold and cheer on the Pacers as they pursue a championship title. The events are free and open to all ages, offering a family-friendly environment with a festival-like atmosphere.

Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Outside food is permitted, and local food trucks and beverage vendors will be on site. Each event will feature additional activities and crowd engagement opportunities.

Free parking is available throughout the Nickel Plate District, including garages, surface lots, and street parking. Accessible parking is provided in the lot immediately south of the City Services Building at 3 Municipal Drive. For more details, including a parking map, visit FishersParks.com/WatchParty.

Watch Party Schedule at NPD AMP (6 Municipal Drive):

• Game 2: Sunday, June 8 | 7 – 11 p.m. (Tip-off at 8 p.m.)

• Game 3: Wednesday, June 11 | 7 – 11 p.m. (Tip-off at 8:30 p.m.)

• Game 4: Friday, June 13 | 7 – 11 p.m. (Tip-off at 8:30 p.m.)

This series of events is part of the city’s broader efforts to celebrate community spirit and support for Indiana’s home team during this historic Finals run.

The City of Fishers has completed the annexation of 960 parcels in southeastern Hamilton County, formally adding approximately 3,000 residents to the growing community and solidifying its status as the fourth-largest city in Indiana, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

The annexation process, which began in June 2024, received unanimous approval from the Fishers City Council in January 2025.

“It’s exciting to fulfill this component of our long-range annexation plans and officially welcome our newest Fishers residents to our community,” said Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “We look forward to serving this area and bringing efficient delivery of services and a high quality of life for thousands of residents who call southeastern Fishers home.”

The annexed area is roughly bounded by 113th Street to the north; the Hamilton-Madison-Hancock county lines to the east; the Rossana Village subdivision and parcels west to Flat Fork Creek Park on the southern border; and Cyntheanne Road, Luxhaven subdivision, and Geist Park on the western edge.

Prior to annexation, Fishers already provided zoning oversight, sanitary sewer service, and Fire/EMS services to the area through a contract with Fall Creek Township. With the annexation complete, residents will now see a phased rollout of full city services.

As of June 1, 2025, the following services are being extended to the annexed area:

• Fishers Parks: Access to programming and resident discounts

• Fishers Health Department: Public health services and resident support

• Engineering Department: Inclusion of roads, bridges, and sidewalks into city infrastructure planning

• Fishers Police Department: Emergency dispatch and patrol services

Later this fall, Public Works will assume responsibility for road maintenance, snow removal, and right-of-way services such as fallen tree and dead animal removal.

On January 1, 2026, the transition will be complete with the launch of citywide trash and recycling services through Republic Services and stormwater utility service provided by Fishers.

The annexation marks a significant milestone in Fishers’ continued growth and municipal development, expanding both its footprint and the reach of city-provided services.

The weather is warming and that means road construction has ramped-up in and around Fishers.  I recorded a podcast to talk about road construction and sanitary sewers with three engineers with the City of Fishers – Engineering Director Hatem Mekky, Project Engineer Tami Houston and Sanitary Engineer Schmitt.

Listen to the podcast at the link below:

Three committees of the Hamilton Southeastern (HSE) School Board met this week to prepare for the board’s regular monthly session, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11 at 6:00 p.m.

One of the key items on the agenda is the proposed purchase of 678 new Dell laptop computers. While the retail price for each unit is $899.99, the school district secured a discounted rate of $725.99 per laptop. The total cost will be covered using bond proceeds.

Also on the agenda is a new custodial services contract. Unlike previous one-year agreements, the proposal calls for a three-year contract. Facilities Director Matt Rapp told board committee members that 10 vendors submitted complete proposals, and a recommended selection has been made by a school district committee. While the final cost of the contract was not yet available, Rapp said he will provide that information at Wednesday’s meeting.

Board members will also consider a $378,000 project to rebuild two chiller units at Fishers High School. According to Rapp, the rebuild is expected to extend the life of both units by an additional 10 to 12 years.

Rapp also updated the committees on a wide range of summer construction projects currently underway at several HSE school facilities.

“If you drive by our buildings, you are going to see a lot of activity,” said HSE Superintendent Patrick Mapes.

A proposal to build a “motor suite” complex on Sunlight Drive—just north of 96th Street and east of I-69—was unanimously rejected by the Fishers Planned Unit Development (PUD) Committee on Wednesday afternoon. The developer had pitched the project as a secure facility where car enthusiasts could store and showcase their prized vehicles.

After a presentation by city staff and the petitioner, the first sign of opposition came from Fishers Economic Development Director Megan Baumgartner, who expressed concerns about the project’s compatibility with the area. Fishers City Councilor Pete Peterson offered stronger criticism, saying the proposal was “a giant miss for me” and did not align with the city’s vision for that location. He also questioned whether the land would need to be rezoned for the intended use.

Baumgartner emphasized the high value of the parcel and questioned whether a motor suite represented the best use of the property.

The committee ultimately voted 5-0 to reject the plan.

City officials noted that the developer has two options if they wish to pursue the project further: resubmit a revised version to the PUD Committee or appeal the decision to the Fishers Plan Commission.

While the motor suite proposal was denied, two other items on the agenda received unanimous approval. The committee greenlit The Crossings, a retail and restaurant development featuring two buildings expected to house eateries near the Fishers Event Center. A proposal for a new medical office building on Jack Walker Lane—north of the Southeastern Parkway roundabout near 156th Street—was also approved.

The Hamilton Southeastern Education Association (HSEA) will have a new president as of July 1 .  As I reported here on May 21, Tyler Zerbe will become president of the local teachers union, replacing Abby Taylor, who completes 2 terms as president at the end of June.

In an e-mail exchange, Taylor tells LarryInFishers that with a daughter entering her senior year in high school, it is time to focus on her family responsibilities.

“Leading one of the state’s largest teachers’ unions is a responsibility I have never taken lightly,” Taylor writes. “It requires dedication, time, and energy—just as my family does. I’ve come to realize that I cannot give my full attention to both, and in order to honor my commitment to each, I must make space for one.”

Tyler Zerbe was elected by the HSEA membership to lead HSEA as its president, as of July 1.

Motorists traveling through the 146th Street and Allisonville Road area should prepare for temporary closures and lane reductions beginning the evening of Monday, June 9, as crews implement a new phase of construction.  The change had originally been set earlier, but weather forecasts resulted in new plans.

According to a government announcement, the phase switch is set to begin at 7:00 p.m. Monday, and will involve movement restrictions lasting into early Tuesday morning.

Here is the expected schedule and impact:

• 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., June 9: One lane of traffic in each direction on 146th Street will be closed within the construction zone. Crews will place temporary pavement markings and adjust barrier walls during this period.

• 10:00 p.m., June 9 to 5:00 a.m., June 10: All ramps between 146th Street and Allisonville Road will be fully closed. One lane will remain open on 146th Street using the bridge over Allisonville. Northbound and southbound Allisonville Road will also be reduced to one lane under the bridge. A short closure of Allisonville Road around 10:00 p.m. is expected as crews remove a traffic signal.

• 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., June 10: Ramps will reopen, but the north and south entries of the roundabout will be closed briefly for final pavement markings. Vehicles using the northeast and southwest ramps will only be able to turn right onto Allisonville Road during this time.

• 6:00 a.m., June 10: All lanes and movements are scheduled to fully reopen.

Officials urge drivers to avoid the area if possible during the overnight work and to use caution if traveling through the construction zone. Delays are expected, particularly during the lane and ramp closures.

The traffic changes are part of the ongoing infrastructure improvement project in the are